The Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (IJAS) strongly condemns the continuation of an organized campaign to discredit Veran Matić. Following the broadcast of content produced by the Center for Social Stability titled “Evil Age 2” on national television channels, this campaign is now intensifying through statements issued by the same organization and the coordinated dissemination of accusations via newly established local news portals linked to the actors behind this campaign.
In the film “Evil Age 2,” the President of the Executive Board of ANEM is dangerously targeted through the twisting of facts and a manipulative narrative portraying Matić as a “traitor to Serbia,” a “foreign mercenary,” and an “agent,” alongside additional allegations of the alleged embezzlement of “huge sums of money.” Such labeling and fabrications follow a classic pattern of public lynching, fueling a hostile environment toward journalists, media workers, and actors engaged in the protection of media freedom.
The campaign then continued with a statement by the Center for Social Stability accusing Matić of acting “against Serbia’s state interests,” while announcing that a “thematic special dedicated to his committed work on certain anti-state projects” would be released “soon.” This was followed by a wave of texts and posts published across a number of newer portals and pages, whose purpose and role is already evident—serving as instruments for campaigns and retaliation against dissenters and critical voices. These include: Podunavlje uživo, Nova Pazova uživo, Stara Pazova uživo, Palanačke vesti, Lučani uživo, Glas Aranđelovca, Srbija na istoku, as well as other related channels.
It is particularly concerning that, in parallel, following the broadcast of the film, additional dangerous allegations have been spreading on the social media platform X, claiming that Matić “finances Albanian media in Kosovo” and “supported separatists.” Such claims, circulated without evidence, represent an attempt to further escalate tensions and potentially incite hatred and violence, posing a direct risk to Veran Matić’s safety.
IJAS warns that these campaigns are neither “mere polemics” nor legitimate criticism, but rather organized discreditation that may have serious consequences—including threats to the personal safety of the targeted individual and broader intimidation of the media community.
For this reason, IJAS calls on the Ministry of Information and Telecommunications, as well as holders of the highest state offices, to urgently and publicly condemn these campaigns of targeting, labeling, and dehumanization, and to take all measures within their competence to prevent further incitement of a hostile atmosphere toward journalists and media workers.
At the same time, IJAS calls on all media outlets to refrain from publishing unverified allegations, manipulative constructions, and content that contributes to public lynching, and to uphold professional and ethical standards.
IJAS will inform relevant national and international stakeholders in the field of media freedom and journalist safety about this case and will continue to monitor developments, expecting the competent authorities to recognize the seriousness of the situation and, through their response, contribute to protecting safety and the right to free and secure journalistic work.
Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (IJAS)
Belgrade, 6 February 2026
